Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. Reviews 643

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.6

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 93 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Many customers found the staff to be very helpful, professional, and supportive throughout the publishing journey, appreciating their guidance and clear communication. People often felt well-informed and found the teams across different departments, including submissions, production, and finance, to be cooperative and accommodating. Reviewers frequently praised the quality of the final product, with many expressing satisfaction with the book's design, layout, and overall appearance. However, some customers also noted significant issues with the service, particularly concerning marketing efforts and royalty payments, feeling that the company did not deliver on promised support in these areas. A few other people also felt that the product contained errors or that their input was ignored during the editing process, leading to dissatisfaction with the final published version.

What people talk about most

Product

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of product, with some expressing satisfaction with the finished book,... See more

Staff

Clients share positive opinions on staff, with many reviewers praising the helpfulness, professionalism, and... See more

Service

Customers had ambiguous experiences with service, with many reviewers expressing satisfaction and... See more

Customer service

Consumers find customer service to be positive, with many praising the attentive and well-structured... See more

Marketing

Users describe ambiguous interactions with marketing, with some reviewers expressing significant... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

It was nice of Austin Macauley to publish my book and they have been very helpful on the way through. However marketing it in Australia has had its problems. Retail outlets seem to have trouble purcha... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Austin Macauley printed my book, Cornelius and Cedric's Woodland Adventure', in 2025. Stayed in regular contact. Answered the many questions I had quickly. Gave me an estimated print date but came in... See more

Company replied

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

I wrote a previous review with 5 stars, at this point I was going through the publishing process however I am so disappointed. AC were great through the original process and the published book was gr... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

As a writer, I really met a team of dedicated professionals. They know what they are doing and they do it right in every little, and yet, important detail. They know how to listen, they can help. At e... See more


Company details

  1. Book Publisher

Written by the company

Austin Macauley Publishers is an independent publishing house with offices in the UK, USA and UAE. Since 2006, we have published authors in over 40 countries, with award-winning titles in fiction, non-fiction and children's. Our highly successful partnership publishing model provides underrepresented writers in the community with a bridge into the publishing world, combining the professionalism and reach of traditional publishing with the ease of access and flexibility of self-publishing. Committed to the accessibility of titles, we have long worked in all publishing formats (print, digital and audio), while our international distribution networks establish a connection to readers worldwide.


Contact info

3.6

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

643 reviews

5-star
4-star
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1-star

No history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 6% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

What’s in a name?

In spite of all their protestations to the contrary, Austin Mcauley is still what used to be referred to as a ‘vanity publisher’ - although they are now marketing themselves as a ‘hybrid publisher’. It’s the same difference. Either way, you pay THEM to publish your book. If you are tempted to sign a contract with them, make sure you read it carefully and fully understand what you’re signing. Also, be prepared for considerable delays before your book actually sees the light of day. Once you’ve signed a contract and handed over your money, there is no urgency to do anything further on their part. UPDATE The reply from Austin Macauley is a typical cut-and-paste response, both patronising and deflective. To get an insider’s view, take a look at Glassdoor. It’s a community hub/forum, where former and current employees of Austin Macauley can relate their experiences of working there. Common themes are ‘deceptive practices’ and ‘intense pressure’ to meet sales targets.

17 April 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi Jennifer,

Thank you for sharing your perspective.

At Austin Macauley Publishers, we operate as a hybrid publisher, which blends traditional and self-publishing elements. We understand the importance of transparency and encourage all our authors to thoroughly review their contracts to fully grasp the terms and conditions of our partnership.

The publishing process can indeed be lengthy, particularly as it often involves extensive collaboration between the author and our team. This process is designed to ensure the highest quality of work is achieved and may involve multiple rounds of edits and adjustments, depending on the feedback and specific needs of each publication.

We are committed to continuous communication and support throughout this process. While it can take time, each step is vital to ensuring that the final product meets both the author's and the publisher’s standards.

Please reach out to our marketing department so we can discuss your review and concerns. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these steps, and we are always striving to enhance our processes to better serve our authors.

Warm regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

THE LAND OF NO FOOD! has been a long journey, listen, communicate, research and ENJOY the trip, it'll be worth it!

Producing a book was never going to be a quick process and that's what any budding author needs to remember.
Austin Macauley has been extremely supportive through my publishing journey, they've guided me through every step, listened to my concerns, made every requested amendment in a timely, professional manner and have always checked to make sure I have completely, 100% been happy before proceeding.
With just weeks before my children's book - THE LAND OF NO FOOD! goes on sale, they are now supporting me through the publicity process - they want you to succeed just as much as you do.
Remember, you are in a partnership with the publisher and need to put in just as much effort as they do, they do their job and you must do yours! Be patient, tell them what you want, read and re-read everything before you sign anything off, if a mistake is made, it's down to you. Remember, Austin Macauley is a business, but they are in the business to help you thrive as an author.

8 August 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful review.

We're glad to learn about your experience. We're proud to have been a part of your journey, and we wish you every success with your book. If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact our marketing team, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

New author speaks

Professional, friendly , helpful and non judgmental Austin Macauley made the process of publishing a book a very enjoyable and educational process.

7 August 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. We wish you every success with your book and hope it attains the desired success.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend

As a first time author I couldn’t be happier with the service I received. Austin Macauley have walked me through every step and promptly answered my questions along the way. Would highly recommend them.

7 August 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback.

We're glad to learn about your experience. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This was a great support model for me…

This was a great support model for me as a first time author. I have been kept abreast of all steps in this route to being published. I value the help given to me when I needed it. The only niggle I have is the ," somewhat cold" approach by the departments involved. Recommended Gallery of employees as it would have enhanced the experience for me.

7 August 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your feedback and for recommending us.

We’re delighted to hear that you felt supported throughout your publishing journey. Your suggestion about enhancing the personal touch with a "gallery of employees" is insightful, and we’ll certainly consider it to improve the experience for our authors. We appreciate your valuable input and wish you continued success!

Warm Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AM just a paid publisher

AM just a paid publisher. They don’t have a traditional contract. They only have share contracts where authors pay. Hybrid publish are just a gimmick to deceive people.

1 August 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

We want to clarify that Austin Macauley Publishers is a hybrid publisher, which allows us to offer a variety of publishing models. This model includes both traditional and co-operative publishing options, tailored to suit the different needs and resources of our authors.

Our contracts are carefully structured to be transparent and fair, providing all the necessary details upfront. We believe hybrid publishing gives more authors the opportunity to see their work published and marketed. Our goal is to make publishing accessible while supporting authors with the professional resources they need to succeed.

We're committed to providing clear and honest information about our publishing model and ensuring our authors have a good understanding of our processes. If you have any further questions or need more detailed information, we encourage you to contact us directly.

Warm regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I Would Recommend This Publisher.

I have absolutely no complaints about this company at all, they are professional and efficient. Emails are all answered extremely promptly, the editors, marketing and IT couldn’t be more helpful. They are transparent and honest, and the contract is crystal clear with every tiny detail covered. I would recommend.

31 July 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful review.

We're glad to learn about your experience. We wish you all the best with your book and hope it attains the desired success. Feel free to get in touch with our marketing team should you have any queries.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

AM are professional, responsive and friendly.

I have had nothing but courteous, professional and super-responsive communications from AM throughout my publishing journey with them. Everyone I have dealt with has been friendly and helpful.

26 July 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your encouraging feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. We've had an equally pleasing experience working with you. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

First time novel being published

Its hard to say what made it great. What I can tell you is that Austin Macauley have been there every step of the way, and open and accountable and honest in their dealings. They have not created any grand expectations but they have explained to me every step of the way what actually happens. If you are prepared to work with AM in a project manner then this is the company for you.

19 July 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. Wishing you much luck in your future endeavours.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I m a four book published author and…

I m a four book published author and don't need anyone to charge me to publish me book. A rip off!! Don't send them any money. If you want to be published by a real company who is not a vanity company, go elsewhere.

29 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi Karen,

Thank you for sharing your perspective, and congratulations on your success as a four-book published author. At Austin Macauley Publishers, we respect the different paths authors choose to bring their work to the public.

We offer hybrid publishing options, which include both traditional and contributory contracts, depending on the manuscript and market viability. This model enables us to support a diverse range of authors, many of whom may not have the opportunity to publish traditionally. Our aim is to provide choices that accommodate the goals and circumstances of various authors.

We understand that every author's needs and preferences are different and urge authors to choose the best option that fits with their requirements.

As we are unable to locate you on our systems, we have requested further information through Trustpilot.

Best regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I recommend Austin Macauley Publishers

My gratitude to Austin Macauley Publisher team for the work done regarding my book, 'Living by Thoughts: Creating a Lasting Reality'. A book that opens the eye to what a man has at hand to live and how to use it to build life. My book is now in various online outlets, as well as some other bookshops. I hope it gains the exposure it deserves. My experience with the team is awesome, very supportive and impressive. Austin Macauley Publishers is a great pick, especially for new authors who no one knows. I have no iotal of negative feedback for now and so, I recommend Austin Macauley Publishers. Cheers!

21 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your encouraging feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. We've had an equally pleasing experience working with you. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Austin Macauley is great

Austin Macauley was really helpful from the start. This was my first book and I am very happy with the end result. My book cover is very nice and looks great. I look forward to working with them again in the future.

20 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. Wishing you much luck in your future endeavours. Looking forward to working with you again.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Review

Austin Macauley publishers respond quickly to any emails I send them and inform me about any new progress during the publication process of my book. They consider any suggestions or comments I have during the proofreading process. Overall, I had a pleasant experience working with them. The only suggestion I have is to focus more on marketing tips as the ones I received are more in terms of information about social media apps and their value rather than direct help, however, since my book has yet to be published I take into consideration that this just might be the reason.

20 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience and for your thoughtful feedback!

We're delighted that you found our communication and support during the publication process helpful. We appreciate your suggestion regarding marketing guidance and understand the importance of providing targeted advice as your book approaches publication. We're here to support you every step of the way, and we look forward to helping make your book a success.
Should you have any queries in the future, feel free to get in touch with our Marketing team.

Warm regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Austin Macauley Rocks

Austin Macauley has been very supportive. This was all new to me so I was nervous and was never made to feel silly or wasting their time asking questions. They have been highly professional at every stage.

19 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your encouraging feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. We've had an equally pleasing experience working with you. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Professional Publisher. Questions are always answered.

As a first time author the people at Austin Macauley have been truly remarkable. Luke guided me through the critical production stage of my book and currently Genel is guiding me with online business Marketing sites. The step-by-step process AM model on really does work. I have been delighted and I feel AM are also excited about my forth coming children's book. It's the encouragement and support that I've appreciated too. No question is left unanswered, as I have lent on their expertise within the business. This leaves me to concentrate on what I love, writing and creating characters within children's books. I would highly recommend AM should you be thinking about submitting your written piece of work @amandaduffyauthor

18 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful review.

We're glad to learn about your experience. We're proud to have been a part of your journey, and we wish you every success with your book. If you have any further queries, please don't hesitate to contact our marketing team, and we'll be more than happy to assist you.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

New author

As a new author the communication from the beginning has been very good which has helped me tremendously. From marketing is like to hear more information on if they are promoting my book to critics and helping with signing up meet and greets. I am doing all I can on social media and word of mouth but to hear more from them would be helpful. Overall my experience has been very positive.

18 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your encouraging feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. We've had an equally pleasing experience working with you. We have forwarded your concerns to the Marketing department. Our team will get in touch with you shortly.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

My recommendation to any aspiring author…

My recommendation to any aspiring author is not to go anywhere near this company. I had no editorial help whatsoever and the proofreading was extremely incompetent. I regret to have to report that this has also been the experience of a friend.

18 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your feedback.

Please provide your pen name or book title with us so we can look into your concerns.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Recommend

The communication sometimes went unanswered, but my book looks great! They are professionals and my book is out on 4 continents and I’m
very content on how we proceeded. The timing was quick and easy for a starting author.

18 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your review.

We're pleased to learn about your experience. We appreciate your feedback on our communication as we strive to enhance the authors' experience.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

There's a great team at AMP and having…

There's a great team at AMP and having recently received the complimentary copies of my book, I was bowled over at how perfect it looked. Very pleased with the result.

15 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback.

We're delighted to learn about your experience. Wishing you much luck with your book.

Kind Regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Beware

I am working on publishing my second book with Austin Macauley. This second round has been so disappointing for my children's book. Not only has the progress been at a snail's speed, there have also been obvious mistakes sent throughout (you email back and forth to create design and approve). There is no editing and you have to be very specific with your "illustrations" or graphic art. The biggest complaint is that I'm not working with people in the US as I was led to believe. When I finally insisted and was set up a call to Dubai with a supervisor at 7 am, it did help speed up the process but it didn't explain the lack of professionalism. Reaching someone by phone is near impossible. I do NOT believe I was paid fairly with my first royalty check and since you cannot see your list of sales, you can't really fight it. Additionally, they insisted on getting my check routing number for my royalty which I refused and eventually they mailed me a check. If you are just doing this for fun and don't expect much, this could work for you but do not expect editing (they might, in fact, change or mess something up on their end), a professional team (as the people I work or email with have changed), or marketing.

13 June 2024
Unprompted review
Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd. logo

Reply from Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd.

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for your feedback. At Austin Macauley, our goal is to ensure a smooth and satisfactory experience for all our authors.

We appreciate your feedback regarding the communication and operational aspects of our services, particularly the coordination from our offices.

We've forwarded your concerns to the relevant department to investigate your publishing journey.

Kind regards,
Austin Macauley Publishers

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